Method and material for brightening teeth

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a .Iadd.novel .Iaddend.process and a .[.material.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.for brightening teeth.Iadd., together with a novel use of old compositions for brightening teeth. .Iaddend.The .Iadd.novel .Iaddend.process .Iadd.and use each comprises .Iaddend..[.comprises.]. the .[.construction.]. .Iadd.placing .Iaddend.of a splint around the tooth or teeth to be brightened, .[.followed by the insertion within the splint of.]. .Iadd.with .Iaddend.a brightening agent .[.selected from one of many peroxide groups.]. .Iadd.comprising a composition capable of sustained nascent oxygen release.Iaddend.. The splint is constructed so that the splint is relatively liquid tight .[.to the gingiva.].. .Iadd.Preferably, .Iaddend.the brightening agent is periodically renewed .Iadd.during the day .Iaddend.and can be mixed with various other agents to increase the nascent oxygen release .[.aerating factors.].. In one embodiment, the .[.perioxide.].  .Iadd.peroxide .Iaddend.that is used is a 10% solution of carbamide peroxide mixed with a water free gel.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 235,304,filed Aug. 23, 1988, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a brightening agent and process forbrightening teeth, and more particularly to such a process that is useractivated and controlled.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

There is no need to dwell on the cosmetic desires of people to havebright teeth. Over the years many processes have come and gone, eachpromising a new breakthrough in teeth brightening. In general, theprocesses that work are too costly to use, or require special trainingor are harsh on the teeth.

Since tooth stains stem from a large variety of causes, from poor oralhygiene to the use of drugs (such as tetracycline), to the smoking oftobacco products, a universal solution has evaded dentistry. One processfor brightening the stains caused by tetracycline is shown in theCopendium of Continuing Education (Endodontal) Vol. V, No. 6, June 1984,page 465. This multi-page brochure outlines the steps a trainedprofessional should take to perform the process of brightening stainedteeth. The results of this process are mixed at best. The Compendiumwhich is hereby incorporated by reference, contains a discussion ofteeth bleaching techniques, all of which require the application ofheat.

The tooth brightening processes available today rely upon some physicalmanipulation of the teeth. The process described in the above-mentionedpublication is one example. Another example is the use of bonding tocover stained teeth. A common step in all such processes is that atrained professional must perform every step of the process. It is theprofessional who controls the ultimate color of the teeth and not thepatient.

Thus, it is clear that a need exists in the art for a product andprocess that can be used safely by any person and whereby the user cancontrol the degree of brightness of the teeth.

A further need exists in the art for a process of tooth brightening,coupled with a system for protecting the brightened teeth from revertingback to their original dull or stained appearance, the entire systembeing under control of the user.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of thepresent invention. These objects should be construed to be merelyillustrated of some of the more pertinent features and applications ofthe invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applyingthe disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the inventionwithin the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and afuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to thesummary of the invention and the detailed description describing thepreferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention definedby the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

I have discovered that .[.peroxide compounds.]. .Iadd.certaincompositions, namely those capable of sustained nascent oxygenrelease.Iaddend., which have been commercially available for a number ofyears and used by professionals and others for a wide variety ofpurposes have an unexpected result when used in a very specific manner.

While it is true that hydrogen peroxide has been known for years to actas a cleanser for teeth, it is also true that the rapid decomposition ofhydrogen peroxide has limited its usefulness. Indeed, the procedurediscussed above for cleansing tetracycline stains takes into accountthis well-known deficiency of hydrogen peroxide.

The commercial product PROXIGEL.Iadd.®.Iaddend., described in U.S. Pat.No. 3,657,413 issued on Apr. 18, 1972 to M. W. Rosenthal, which patentis hereby incorporated herein by reference, is one attempt to overcomethe problems of hydrogen peroxide by using urea peroxide in a slowlydispersable glycerol based solvent. This combination, according to theabove-mentioned patent, improves sustained nascent oxygen release. It isthe nascent oxygen release which is believed to cause the antisepticand/or cleansing effect of the peroxide. PROXIGEL.Iadd.®.Iaddend., whichis manufactured by Reed & Carnrick, is a 10% solution of carbamideperoxide in a water free gel base.

The problem with peroxides is well stated in the Rosenthal patent asfollows:

The principal limitation of commonly used peroxide aqueous solutions,however, is their brief period of contact and function .[.an.]. .Iadd.on.Iaddend.oral tissues. Since many oral bacteria, as well as saliva,contain high concentrations of the enzyme catalase and other peroxides,the hydrogen peroxide is rapidly decomposed into gaseous oxygen andwater. It is a well known fact that the antibacterial effects ofperoxide are exercised only at the instant that the peroxide decomposesto release nascent oxygen. The gaseous oxygen molecules subsequentlyformed by combination of the nascent oxygen atoms have no antibacterialeffects or tissue oxygenating potential. Thus, there is only transitorycontact of the active oxygenating agent with the affected tissues.Furthermore, the low viscosities of water solutions of hydrogen peroxideitself and the water solutions of hydrogen peroxide-active salts, do notallow the active material to stay in contact with affected tissues foras long as is desirable because of the constant flushing effects ofsalivary secretions. This tendency toward rapid decomposition of H₂ O₂into gaseous oxygen and water and the rapid removal of peroxidesolutions has severely limited their application to, and utility on,oral tissues.

It would be highly desirable, therefore, to extend the period of oxygenrelease from hydrogen peroxide for considerably longer periods, as wellas to increase the period of retention on tissues.

The Rosenthal patent then goes on to describe a gel form of the peroxideto allow longer action of the peroxide. The purpose of the Rosenthalproduct is for tissue cleansing and antiseptic use. Subsequent patents,such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,631 and .Badd..[.4,537,413.]..Baddend..Iadd.4,537,778.Iaddend., issued Feb. 14, 1984 and Aug. 27, .[.1986.]..Iadd.1985.Iaddend., respectively, deal with the same problem and solveit by creating various aerating gels for longer adherence to thetissue.Iadd., among them being PEROXYL® gel.Iaddend..

In contrast to the prior art, the process of this invention begins witha professional making a splint for the user. The splint is,advantageously, made from a clear, very thin plastic material and isdesigned to extend onto the user's gingiva and to fit tightly thereto soas to minimize .[.air or.]. saliva from impacting the enclosed teeth.The splint is designed to fit one or more teeth as desired. The userthen places a drop or two of the cleanser solution such as the peroxidebased PROXIGEL.Iadd.® .Iaddend. solution discussed above) into thesplint and places the splint, with the solution inside, around the toothor teeth and over a portion of the gingiva.

The patient then wears the splint for a number of hours, removes thesplint, rinses the teeth, preferably with a fluoride .[.compound.]..Iadd.composition.Iaddend., and then, repeats the process.Iadd.,reintroducing the splint with the new brightener agent in substantiallyliquid tight engagement into the mouth.Iaddend.. Those users who wish tobrighten their teeth slowly will wear the splint only while sleeping.This method will usually take about four weeks to show dramatic results.Others, who desire faster whitening, may choose to wear the splintduring the day as well. This is possible because of the transparent,thin nature of the splint. .[.When.]. .Iadd.After a number of days when.Iaddend.the degree of brightness desired by the user is achieved, theuser stops using the splint.

The tightly fitting splint serves the dual purpose of physicallyrestraining the solution from evaporating or migrating away from theteeth, and also preventing the destruction of the oxygenating propertiesof the peroxide. Dramatic results have been demonstrated with thisprocedure.

Thus, it is a feature of my invention to have a professional prepare forthe user a splint designed to tightly fit around the tooth or teeth tobe brightened .Iadd.in substantial liquid-tight engagement.Iaddend.,have the user place a solution of peroxide within the tooth cavityformed in the splint and then to insert the splint around the propertooth or teeth. .Iadd.By the term "substantially liquid tight", I meanengagement between a custom-made splint and the teeth/tooth effectivelytight to (a) minimize saliva from impacting the teeth/tooth enclosedwithin the splint, (b) restrain physically the cleaning/brighteningsolution from evaporating or migrating away from the teeth, and (c)prevent the destruction of the oxygenation properties of the peroxide..Iaddend.The user then periodically replenishes the peroxide and repeatsthe process until the desired amount of brightness is achieved.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent andimportant features of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood sothat the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated.Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter whichform the subject of the claims of the invention. It should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and thespecific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be .[.head.]. .Iadd.made .Iaddend.to the followingdetailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 shows a set of upper teeth and a full splint therefore;

FIG. 2 shows the splint positioned on the teeth;

FIG. 3 shows a set of upper teeth and two partial splints therefore; andthe two partial splints of FIG. 3 positioned on the teeth.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIG. 1 illustrates a mold 14 a full tooth mold made in a traditional wayby the dentist. In this discussion, we can assume that mold 14 is infact a representation of the actual mouth of a patient having gingiva 13with teeth 15 extending therefrom. Of course, in our example mold 14contains all of its teeth. This, as will be seen, is not necessarilycritical to the functioning of the invention. In addition, many peoplehave teeth which are not fully aligned. This again, is not a problem,since the splint, (as will be discussed) will allow for individual toothdifferences. FIG. 1 also shows splint 10 made by the dental professionalin a manner to be more fully detailed hereinafter. At this point, it issufficient to note that splint 10 has sealed end portions 102 and 103and inter proximal portions 104 within the splint 10. The person wishingto brighten his or her teeth obtains the cleaning solution 101 (whichwill be discussed in more detail hereinafter) and places within thetooth cavity 11 of the splint a few drops 12 of the solution.

As shown in FIG. 2, the splint is then positioned by the user aroundteeth 15 and gingiva 13 making a substantially .[.air-tight.]..Iadd.liquid-tight .Iaddend.seal 202 between the top portion of splint10 and gingiva 13.

FIG. 3 shows the same mouth mold 14 with two partial splints 30 and 31.Splint 30 covers some of the front teeth whole splint 31 covers three ofthe molars. It should be noted the splints 30 and 31 can be constructedto cover any number of teeth, from a single tooth to a full splint. Theends of splint 30 have closed end portions 303 and 304 formed to preventcleansing solution 12 from leaking out of the splint. Splint 31 has endportions 301 and 302 similarly designed.

.Iadd.The mold 14 in .Iaddend.FIG. 4 shows partial splints 30 and 31positioned around their respective teeth .Iadd.with gingiva area13.Iaddend., each forming a substantially .[.air.]. .Iadd.liquid.Iaddend.tight seal with their adjacent gingiva. .Iadd.Again as in FIG.3 partial splints 30 and 31 have closed end portions 302 and 303..Iaddend.

Once the splint is in place, the user then wears the splint for a numberof hours, removes the splint, rinses the teeth, preferably with afluoride .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition.Iaddend., and then repeats theprocess. For users who wish to brighten their teeth slowly, wearing thesplint only while sleeping will suffice. This method will usually takeabout four weeks to show dramatic results. Others, who desire fasterwhitening, may choose to wear the splint during the day as well. This ispossible because of the transparent, thin nature of the splint. When thedegree of brightness desired by the user is achieved, the user stopswearing the splint.

One method of creating the splint includes the following steps:

(a) making a mold of the tooth or teeth to be cleaned in the traditionalmanner, well-known to dental professionals and as shown in FIG. 1;

(b) obtaining a sheet of plastic material of the appropriate size andbetween 0.01 inch and 0.1 inch thick depending upon the application;

(c) placing the sheet in a holder;

(d) spraying silicone on both sides of the plastic sheet;

(e) heating the plastic sheet on one side only until it becomes clear;

(f) placing the clear plastic over the prepared model (missing teeth canbe replaced with denture teeth or metal crown forms) or over only theteeth representative of the teeth to be cleaned.

(g) immediately pressing molding putty against the heated plastic, usingfingers to contour the heated plastic over the model;

(h) removing the model and trimming the plastic; and

(i) sealing the ends of the splint to minimize .[.air and.]. saliva fromentering and to minimize solution from leaking (or .[.bring.]..Iadd.being .Iaddend.sucked) out.

Another method of forming the splint would be to use the omnivac methodnow commonly employed in dentist offices for other dental applications.It is important to note, however, that any method of constructing asplint is acceptable. Advantageously, the splint should be resilient toallow the user to remove and replace the splint around the tooth orteeth.

The solution that is inserted in the splint can be selected from theperoxy compounds, and can be the above-mentioned PROXIGEL.Iadd.®.Iaddend.oral cleanser. One drop per tooth has shown to be sufficient tobegin the cleaning process. Renewing the solution every 4 hours hasshown to be effective in substantially brightening teeth within twoweeks to a point where the difference in brightness (before and after)is readily apparent even to the untrained eye. The longevity of thebrightness, or to say if the other way, the amount of time it takes forthe stains or yellowing to return will depending upon conditions in themouth.

This procedure has been demonstrated to clean yellow teeth, teeth darkfrom tetracycline, dark from reaction to orthodontics and teeth darkfrom unknown causes. In most situations, the compound used was a 10%solution of carbamide peroxide. Tests have shown the preferred cleaningsolution to be .[.peroxyl.]. .Iadd.PEROXYL® .Iaddend.gel mixed with.[.peroxigel.]. .Iadd.PEROXIGEL® .Iaddend.in a ratio of 3.[.millileters.]. .Iadd.milliliters .Iaddend.of .[.peroxyl.]..Iadd.PEROXYL®.Iaddend.gel to 1.2 ounces of .[.peroxyl.]..Iadd.PROXIGEL® .Iaddend.. Greater than 3 milliliters of .[.peroxyl.]..Iadd.PROXIGEL® .Iaddend.reduces the viscosity to a point where it isnot easily retained in the splint. Stannous fluoride.Iadd.compositions.Iaddend., or other fluoride(s) .Iadd.compositions.Iaddend.can be mixed with the cleaner to provide greater benefits, ifdesired. Other compounds used with this method have shown good results.

One advantage of this procedure is that the teeth are cleaned uniformlyand at the same time. Thus, a person does not have each tooth adifferent color, even for a few days. This is of particular importancewhere teeth are misaligned or not straight. The splint .[.holes.]..Iadd.holds .Iaddend.the cleaning solution against the teeth and evenbrightening is achieved. Of course, when and if it is observed that oneportion of teeth is becoming brighter than another, the splint can bemodified to allow different amounts of fluid into contact with differentteeth. This can be done with separate splints, or with splints dividedinto sections internally by physical barriers. The physical barriers canbe part of the splint structure or added temporarily for periods oftime. This is shown by barrier 305 in FIG. 3. Barrier 305 can be, forexample, .[.cemented.]. .Iadd.placed .Iaddend.in position between teethto allow for separate application of cleansing material in each section.The dental professional can adjust the positioning of the barrier byremoving and .[.recementing.]. .Iadd. replacing .Iaddend.the barrier, orby other means.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims aswell as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention hasbeen described in its preferred form with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of thepreferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction and the combination andarrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. The process of brightening teeth .Iadd.duringsleep at night, .Iaddend.comprising the steps of:obtaining asubstantially liquid tight splint to cover the tooth or teeth to bebrightened; placing within said splint a brightener agent at thelocation within said splint associated with the tooth .[.surfaces.]..Iadd.or teeth .Iaddend.to be brightened; and .Iadd.before sleep,.Iaddend.placing the splint containing said brightener agent around thetooth or teeth to be brightened .Iadd.for a sufficient number of nightsto effect a substantial brightening of said tooth or teeth.Iaddend.. 2.The process of claim 1 wherein .Iadd.the .Iaddend.brightener agent is anonaqueous .[.oral.]. peroxy .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition.Iaddend..3. The process of claim 2 wherein said brightener agent is mixed withstannous fluoride.
 4. The process of claim 2 wherein said .[.oral.].peroxy .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.is .[.peroxyl.]..Iadd.PEROXYL® .Iaddend.gel mixed with .[.peroxigel.]. .Iadd.PROXIGEL®.Iaddend.in the ratio of about 3 milliliters of .[.peroxyl.]..Iadd.PEROXYL® gel .Iaddend.to about 1.2 ounces of .[.proxigel.]..Iadd.PROXIGEL®.Iaddend..
 5. The process of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.19.Iaddend.further comprising the steps of:periodically removing saidsplint; adding additional brightener agent; and replacing said splintcontaining said additional brightener agent around the tooth or teeth tobe brightened.
 6. The invention set forth in claim .[.5 wherein saidperiodically removing step includes the step of obtaining a fresh unusedsubstantially airtight splint to cover the tooth or teeth to bebrightened, and wherein said replacing step, includes the step ofsubstituting said fresh splint for said removed splint.]. .Iadd.1,further comprising the steps of:periodically removing said splint fromsaid tooth or teeth; replacing the used brightener agent with newbrightener agent and; reintroducing the splint with the new brighteneragent with said tooth or teeth.Iaddend..
 7. The invention set forth inclaim 1 where the splint obtaining step includes the steps of:making animpression of the tooth or teeth to be brightened, said impressionincluding adjacent gingiva; molding said impression to create a mold ofsaid tooth or teeth to be brightened; forming plastic tightly aroundsaid mold; and trimming said formed plastic to fit over said tooth orteeth to be brightened and over said adjacent gingiva.
 8. The inventionset forth in claim 7 wherein said trimmed plastic is between 0.01 inchand 0.1 inch thick.
 9. The invention set forth in claim 7 wherein saidtrimmed plastic is transparent.
 10. The use of a .[.peroxy compound.]..Iadd.composition capable of sustained nascent oxygen release.Iaddend.to bleach teeth, wherein the use .[.consists of.]..Iadd.comprises.Iaddend.:bringing said .[.peroxy compound.]..Iadd.composition .Iaddend.into physical contact with each said tooth.[.to be cleaned.]. .Iadd.for sufficient amount of time to effectsubstantial brightening.Iaddend.; .[.creating.]. .Iadd.whereby saidcomposition is retained by .Iaddend.a mechanical barrier around said.[.peroxy compound after.]. .Iadd.composition during .Iaddend.saidphysical contact .[.is made.]., said mechanical barrier relying uponintimate contact with the gingiva adjacent the tooth for a substantially.[.airtight and.]. leakproof seal.
 11. The use of a peroxy.[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.as set forth in claim 10wherein physical contact is made with a plurality of teeth at the sametime and wherein said mechanical barrier extends to all of saidplurality of teeth.
 12. The use of a peroxy .[.compound.]..Iadd.composition .Iaddend.as set forth in claim 11 wherein saidmechanical barrier contour provides means for allowing continuedphysical contact of different amounts of said peroxy .[.compound.]..Iadd.composition .Iaddend.for different teeth.
 13. The use of a peroxy.[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.as set forth in claim 12wherein said last mentioned means is adjustable.
 14. The use of a peroxy.[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.as set forth in claim 10wherein said mechanical barrier is a splint obtained by the stepsof:making an impression of the tooth or teeth to be brightened, saidimpression including adjacent gingiva; molding said impression to createa mold of said tooth or teeth to be brightened; forming plastic tightlyaround said mold; and trimming said formed plastic to fit over saidtooth or teeth to be brightened and over said adjacent gingiva.
 15. Theuse of a peroxy .[.compound.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.as set forthin claim 14 wherein said trimmed plastic is transparent.
 16. The use ofa .[.peroxy compound.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.as set forth in claim10 wherein said compound is a mixture of .[.peroxyl.]. .Iadd.PEROXYL®gel .Iaddend.and .[.peroxigel.]. .Iadd.PROXIGEL® .Iaddend.in the ratioof .Iadd.about .Iaddend.3 milliliters of .[.peroxyl.]. .Iadd.PEROXYL®gel .Iaddend.to .Iadd.about .Iaddend.1.2 ounces of .[.peroxigel.]..Iadd.PROXIGEL®.Iaddend.. .Iadd.17. The process of claim 2 wherein saidnonaqueous peroxy composition contains carbamide peroxide and is in awater-free gel base. .Iaddend. .Iadd.18. The process of claim 1 in whichthe splint is placed around the tooth or teeth to be brightened duringsleeping for about four weeks. .Iaddend. .Iadd.19. The process of claim1 in which, in addition to placing said splint containing saidbrightening agent before sleep at night, said splint is also placedaround the tooth or teeth during the day as well. .Iaddend. .Iadd.20.The process of claim 19 in which during the day the brightening agent isrenewed several times, each renewal after several hours. .Iaddend..Iadd.21. The process of claim 20 in which during the day thebrightening agent is renewed during the day about every four hours..Iaddend. .Iadd.22. The process of claim 20 or 21 in which said splintis used during the daytime and during sleeping for at least about twoweeks. .Iaddend. .Iadd.23. The process of substantially brighteningteeth during sleep at night and during the day, comprising the stepsof:(a) obtaining a substantially liquid tight splint to cover the toothor teeth to be brightened; (b) placing within said splint a brighteneragent at the location within said splint associated with and forphysical contact with each tooth or teeth to be substantiallybrightened, said brightener agent comprising a non-aqueous peroxycomposition; (c) before sleep, and during the day as well, placing thesplint containing said peroxy brightener agent around the tooth or teethto be substantially brightened, so as to create a mechanical barrieraround the peroxy composition brightener after said physical contact ismade, said mechanical barrier relying upon intimate contact with thegingiva adjacent the tooth or teeth for a substantially liquid tightseal, said placement occurring for a sufficient number of nights anddays to effect a substantial brightening of said tooth or teeth..Iaddend. .Iadd.24. The process of claim 23 wherein the non-aqueousperoxy composition further contains carbamide peroxide and is in awater-free gel base. .Iaddend. .Iadd.25. The process of claim 23 inwhich the brightener agent is renewed several times during the day, eachrenewal after several hours. .Iaddend. .Iadd.26. The process of claim 23in which the brightener agent is renewed several times during the day,each renewal after about four hours. .Iaddend. .Iadd.27. The process ofclaim 25 or 26 in which said splint is used during the daytime andduring the nighttime for at least about two weeks. .Iaddend. .Iadd.28.The method of use of claim 10, wherein the composition capable ofsustained release contains carbamide peroxide. .Iaddend. .Iadd.29. Themethod of use of claim 10, wherein the composition comprises a mixtureof PEROXYL® gel and PROXIGEL®, where the volume ratio of PEROXYL GEL® toPROXIGEL® is about 3 milliliters to about 1.2 ounces. .Iaddend..Iadd.30. The use of a composition capable of sustained nascent oxygenrelease to brighten teeth, wherein the use comprises:bringing saidcomposition into physical contact with a sufficient portion of thesurface of each tooth to be brightened for a sufficient amount of timeto effect substantial brightening of said tooth; and retaining saidcomposition by a mechanical barrier around said composition, saidmechanical barrier being substantially liquid tight. .Iaddend. .Iadd.31.The use of claim 30, wherein the composition contains carbamideperoxide. .Iaddend. .Iadd.32. The use of claim 31, wherein thecomposition comprised a mixture of PEROXYL® gel and PROXIGEL®, whereinthe volume ratio of PEROXYL® gel to PROXIGEL® is about 3 milliliters toabout 1.2 ounces. .Iaddend. .Iadd.33. The use of claim 30, wherein saidcomposition contains carbamide peroxide, and the mechanical barrierrelies upon intimate contact with the gingiva adjacent the tooth..Iaddend. .Iadd.34. The use of claim 30, wherein said mechanical barriercomprises a very thin, clear, plastic splint. .Iaddend. .Iadd.35.Composition comprising a mixture of PEROXYL® gel and PROXIGEL®, wherethe volume ratio of PEROXYL® gel to PROXIGEL® is about 3 milliliters toabout 1.2 ounces. .Iaddend. .Iadd.36. The use of a thin plastic splintin a process to accomplish substantial brightening of a tooth or teeth,comprising:(a) placing within a custom fitted and trimmed, thin plasticsplint a brightener agent at a location within said splint associatedwith and for physical contact with each tooth or teeth to besubstantially brightened, said thin plastic splint custom-formed andadapted to said tooth or teeth so as to be in substantially liquid tightengagement when in engagement with said tooth or teeth; and (b) placingsaid splint in substantially liquid tight engagement with saidbrightener agent on said tooth or teeth to be brightened for a timesufficient to effect substantial brightening of said tooth or teeth..Iaddend. .Iadd.37. The use set forth in claim 36 wherein said trimmedplastic is between 0.01 inch and 0.1 inch thick. .Iaddend. .Iadd.38. Theinvention set forth in claim 36 wherein said trimmed plastic istransparent. .Iaddend. .Iadd.39. In a tooth brightening articlecombination, the combination comprising:(a) a thin wall splint usablefor up to about four weeks by the user, said splint being formed ofplastic to fit in liquid tight configuration to a predetermined tooth orteeth, the ends of the splint being closed to prevent any substantialleakage of a liquid; and (b) a liquid composition capable of sustainednascent oxygen release, said liquid composition being in sufficientquantity to be in physical contact with each predetermined tooth orteeth with said thin wall splint is fitted in said liquid tightconfiguration with said tooth or teeth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.40. The toothbrightening article combination of claim 39 wherein said splint has awall thickness of 0.01 inch to 0.1 inch. .Iaddend. .Iadd.41. In a toothbrightening article combination, the combination comprising:(a) a thinwall splint of plastic usable for up to about four weeks by the user,said splint being formed and trimmed on a mold of a selected tooth orteeth and surrounding gingiva, the trim of said splint being such thatthe thin wall plastic covers at least a part of the mold sectionrepresenting gingiva surrounding said tooth or teeth to form a liquidtight seal therewith, and (b) a gel base peroxy composition containingcarbamide peroxide. .Iaddend. .Iadd.42. The tooth brightening articlecombination of claim 41, wherein said composition is a mixture of about3 milliliters PEROXYL® gel to about 1.2 ounces of PROXIGEL®. .Iaddend..Iadd.43. A splint for use in holding a liquid tooth brighteningcomposition in a liquid tight seal against a selected tooth or teeth andsurrounding gingiva, said splint comprising a sheet of plastic materialof determined size and thickness of 0.01 inch to 0.1 inch and heatformed over a mold of said tooth or teeth and surrounding gingiva, tocontour the plastic to said tooth or teeth and gingiva, the thus formedplastic trimmed to extend at least partially onto the surroundinggingiva and sealed at its end(s) to form a liquid tight seal when inplace around said tooth or teeth, said splint usable daily for aboutfour weeks by the user. .Iaddend. .Iadd.44. A thin formed plastic splintfor minimizing saliva from entering and for minimizing a solution forbrightening teeth from leaking out from a selected tooth or teeth whensaid splint is in place, said thin formed plastic splint being formedby:(a) making a mold of the selected tooth or teeth and surroundinggingiva; (b) placing a sheet of plastic material around said mold ofsaid tooth or teeth section to be brightened and forming the plasticmaterial to the contour of said tooth or teeth and surrounding gingivasection; (c) trimming the plastic so that it extends at least partiallyonto the surrounding gingiva of said tooth or teeth; and (d) sealing theends of the splint to minimize a solution in the thus formed splint fromleaking. .Iaddend. .Iadd.45. The thin formed splint of claim 44,including, prior to placing the sheet of plastic material around themold of said tooth or teeth section, spraying silicone on both sides ofthe sheet and heating the plastic sheet. .Iaddend. .Iadd.46. The thinformed splint of claim 44 wherein the thickness of the plastic materialis 0.01 to 0.1 inch. .Iaddend. .Iadd.47. A method of brightening teethcomprising: (a) fitting the tooth or teeth to be brightened with a thinwall splint suitable for containing a source of releasable nascentoxygen, said splint comprising a plastic material having a wallthickness from between about 0.01 inch and about 0.1 inch and saidsplint further comprising a closed chamber around said tooth or teeth tobe brightened, and having a top portion thereof in tight contact withthe gingiva contiguous with the tooth or teeth to be brightenedcontained in said chamber, between said top portion of said splint formsan effective seal with said gingiva, such that release of nascent oxygenfrom a source therefore in said chamber is substantially restricted tosaid chamber and contact of said released nascent oxygen with the toothor teeth in the chamber is (are) assured substantially free from theflushing effect of salivary secretions normally present in the mouth;(b) placing within said splint a source of nascent oxygen; (c) securingthe splint containing said source of nascent oxygen to the tooth orteeth gingiva to be treated; (d) maintaining said splint in the mouthuntil the source of nascent oxygen in the splint is substantiallyexhausted; and (e) repeating steps (b) through (d) until the desireddegree of brightness is obtained. .Iaddend. .Iadd.48. A toothbrightening, thin wall splint, suitable for use with a source of nascentoxygen said splint forming a closed chamber around tooth or teeth to bebrightened, and said splint having (a) a wall thickness from betweenabout 0.01 inch to about 0.1 inch, and (b) a top portion in tightcontact with the gingiva contiguous to the tooth or teeth to bebrightened, wherein said top portion of said splint forms an effectiveseal with said gingiva, such that release of nascent oxygen from asource located within said chamber is substantially restricted to saidchamber and contact of said released nascent oxygen with the tooth orteeth in the chamber is (are) assured substantially free from theflushing effects of salivary secretions normally present in the mouth..Iaddend. .Iadd.49. In a method of brightening teeth, the steps of:(a)forming a splint to enclose one or more teeth to be brightened, saidsplint designed to extend onto the gingiva associated with said one ormore teeth and to fit tightly to minimize saliva from impacting theenclosed teeth; (b) placing a brightening solution into the splint; (c)placing the splint around said one or more teeth and gingiva for a givenperiod of time, securing the splint from said one or more teeth; (d)rinsing said one or more teeth; and (e) repeating steps (b) through (d)as necessary until the degree of desired brightness is achieved..Iaddend. .Iadd.50. The method of claim 49 when steps (b) through (d)are repeated while the uses of the splint is sleeping at night..Iaddend. .Iadd.51. The method of claim 49, wherein steps (b) through(d) are repeated during the day. .Iaddend. .Iadd.52. The method of claim49, wherein steps (b) through (d) are repeated (a) while the user of thesplint is asleep at night and (b) during the day. .Iaddend. .Iadd.53.The method of claim 49, wherein said rinsing in (d) is with a fluoridecomposition. .Iaddend. .Iadd.54. The method of brightening teeth,comprising the steps of:(a) forming a substantially liquid tight splintto cover the tooth or teeth to be brightened, including at least part ofthe gingiva surrounding said tooth or teeth; (b) placing about 1 dropper tooth or teeth to be brightened of a nascent oxygen releasingcomposition in said splint; (c) place the splint with said compositionaround said tooth or teeth to be brightened and surrounding gingiva toeffectively seal the splint against said gingiva; and (d) reviewing thecomposition about every four hours during the time the splint is wornuntil the degree of brightness desired is achieved. .Iaddend. .Iadd.55.The process of brightening a tooth or teeth, comprising the steps of:(a)obtaining a substantially liquid tight splint to cover the tooth orteeth to be brightened; (b) placing a brightener agent at the locationwithin said splint associated with the tooth or teeth to be brightened;and (c) placing the splint containing said brightener agent around thetooth or teeth to be brightened for a number of hours a day a sufficientnumber of days to effect a substantial brightening of said tooth orteeth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.56. The method set forth in claim 55 furthercomprising the steps of: (a) periodically removing said splint; (b)adding additional brightener agent; and (c) replacing said splintcontaining said additional brightener agent around the tooth or teeth tobe brightened. .Iaddend. .Iadd.57. The method set forth in claim 56,further comprising the steps of:(a) periodically removing said splintfrom said tooth or teeth; (b) replacing the used brightener agent withnew brightener agent; and (c) reintroducing the splint with the newbrightener agent with said tooth or teeth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.58. Theprocess of brightening a tooth or teeth, comprising the steps of: (a)obtaining a substantially liquid tight splint to cover the tooth orteeth to be brightened; (b) placing a brightener agent for a number ofhours each day at the location substantially within said splintassociated with the tooth or teeth to be brightened; and (c) placing thesplint containing the brightener agent around the tooth or teeth to bebrightened for a sufficient number of days to effect a substantialbrightening of said tooth or teeth. .Iaddend. .Iadd.59. A process ofbrightening a stained tooth or teeth comprising the steps of:obtaining asubstantially liquid-tight splint to cover the tooth or teeth to bebrightened; placing a brightener agent at the location within saidsplint associated with the tooth or teeth to be brightened; placing thesplint containing said brightener agent around the tooth or teeth to bebrightened for a number of hours; periodically removing said splint andadding additional brightener agent; and replacing said splint around thetooth or teeth to be brightened. .Iaddend.